Assam CM Raises Alarm Over Cross-Border Infiltration from West Bengal
Concerns Over Infiltration
Guwahati, Jan 16: The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed serious concerns on Friday regarding what he perceives as West Bengal's insufficient response to cross-border infiltration. He warned that this issue could have significant repercussions for Assam and the broader Northeast region.
During his address in Agartala, Sarma highlighted that demographic shifts and illegal immigration present a "complex and sensitive challenge" for the area, with Assam likely to suffer the most.
He emphasized that unchecked infiltration is not just a local issue but one that poses threats to national security.
"Following the census, the Muslim population could rise to approximately 40 percent. This complicates matters for the entire Northeast, but Assam will feel the brunt of it," Sarma stated.
"This is a direct assault on Assam. We must stay alert and persist in our efforts to safeguard our land and identity," he added.
Sarma noted that states like Assam and Tripura are actively working to thwart illegal entries and are pushing back infiltrators along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
However, he criticized West Bengal for not taking similar actions, which he believes worsens the situation.
"Currently, Assam and Tripura are holding the line and repelling infiltrators. In contrast, West Bengal is neither pushing them back nor implementing effective measures to curb infiltration. This is a grave concern," Sarma remarked.
"If West Bengal fails to address this national issue, it will lead to losses not just for Assam but for the entire nation," he added.
Sarma linked this issue to the political landscape in West Bengal, stating that he is closely observing developments as the state approaches elections.
"I am monitoring the Bengal elections very closely. For the Northeast to thrive, we must adopt a strong and unified stance on the Indo-Bangladesh border," he asserted.
The Chief Minister further alleged that infiltrators are being sheltered in West Bengal, complicating efforts to manage the influx of illegal migrants into the Northeast.
"When infiltrators find refuge elsewhere, the burden inevitably shifts to Assam and other Northeastern states," he noted.
Describing infiltration as one of the region's most urgent challenges, Sarma called for stringent and coordinated national measures to secure borders and prevent illegal entries. "Infiltration is not solely Assam's issue; it is a challenge for the entire Northeast. We need robust and decisive actions to tackle this problem once and for all," he concluded.